Airport director reports terminal nearing completion as jet bridges arrive; hangar site and drainage work advancing

The Beaufort County Airport Board heard a detailed construction and projects update on the new terminal and airfield work, with staff saying most interior work remains and major equipment has started arriving.

John, the airport director, told board members that large jet bridges shipped from Utah arrived and were screened and cleared for installation. "They came all the way from Utah," he said, describing expanded flatbeds and on‑site security screening required to bring the long sections onto the airfield. Contractors are completing interior finish work and systems, he said, while outside landscaping and apron concrete work continue.

Steve, the airport projects lead, said the terminal is roughly 87% complete and that a number of trades are working inside on finishing tasks, including terrazzo floor installation and polishing in the hold room and preparation of the TSA screening lane areas. "The remaining 13% . . . are all the contractors that are in there right now just doing a bunch of different finishing things," he said.

Steve also updated the board on hangar site development at Beaufort Executive Airport, saying grading and underground stormwater systems are in place and concrete and pavement work could start around March, subject to change orders and contractor schedules. He noted a notice to proceed has been issued for surveying and geotechnical work on a proposed partial parallel taxiway that would reduce extensive back‑taxiing for pilots.

On airfield drainage, staff said new aircraft‑rated grates have been ordered with an estimated 10–12 week manufacture lead time; once onsite, crews will move quickly to replace inlets and grates. The airport has completed a runway replacement project in the past year and is finishing minor paint and tidy‑up items.

Board members asked whether the terminal will open in time for a planned local event (Heritage). Steve said crews hold biweekly meetings with the contractor and that, while dates remain in flux, the project appears on track to finish before the event. On hangar funding, staff clarified that certain grants cover all work up to the surface but often exclude pad and structure costs under grant rules.

Staff said they have also been coordinating with the FAA on the ALP/master plan and met with the FAA ADO team in Atlanta to discuss alternatives before presenting options to the stakeholder committee.

The board did not take further action on construction items at the meeting; staff said they will continue regular updates and noted additional federal and state funding opportunities being pursued for terminal phase 2.